Auburn's Kiehl Frazier on the run against Ole Miss (Press-Register / Bill Starling)

AUBURN, Alabama -- Auburn started the season with 24 true freshmen on scholarship and the expectation that many of them would play vital roles in 2011.

But as Auburn embarks on its first off-week with most of the season in the books, it's interesting to note that this year's freshman class has been used only slightly more than last year's class that was part of a national championship team.

Yes, 15 freshmen have played, but only a handful are in regular roles.

Nine will take redshirts, barring a late surprise. That's probably more than expected.

The Tigers' problems with depth and experience in 2011 have been aided by the influx of youngsters available to fill roles on special teams, but coaches haven't rushed players -- even highly recruited ones -- into action.

Let's start with the nine redshirts. We're not including running backs Corey Grant or Mike Blakely in this list, who transferred from Alabama and Florida, respectively.

Frost would likely be in the rotation were it not for a season-ending injury. Westerman and Robinson were expected to compete for perhaps even a starting job, but didn't make the cut.

The one true freshman offensive lineman who did is probably one of this year's most valuable contributors.

Center Reese Dismukes has started all nine games, playing almost every snap at one of the line's most important positions.

"Other than being a true freshman quarterback, I don't know how many jobs would be tougher than being a true freshman starting at center, particularly in this league," said line coach Jeff Grimes.

Three other true freshmen have started. Defensive tackle Gabe Wright became the latest last week when he stepped in for sophomore Ken Carter. Tight end Brandon Fulse and receiver Quan Bray also have been listed as starters, although their contributions on offense have been slim.

Aside from Dismukes, who are the freshmen making the biggest impact?

Wright played sparingly until last week, but if he holds onto the starting spot, he has the ability to move into that category.

Defensive backs Erique Florence, Jermaine Whitehead and Robenson Therezie have all played well on special teams. Whitehead, in particular, has assumed a large role in the defense.

Quarterback Kiehl Frazier appears unlikely to win the starting job this year, as some predicted he eventually would, but he has been an occasionally effective weapon as Wildcat quarterback.

Running back Tre Mason has carried 14 times for 85 yards while also handling kickoff-return duties. Mason would have probably played significant snaps anyway, but after Blakeley's appeal to play immediately was denied and reserve running back Anthony Morgan went down with an injury, Mason was the only back left after Mike Dyer and Onterio McCalebb. He was -- and is -- just an injury away from a much bigger role.

The other freshman who have played this season are C.J. Uzomah, Jaylon Denson, Devaunte Sigler, Angelo Blackson, Justin Garrett and Jonathon Rose.

The big leaps made by sophomores and redshirt freshmen this year show that the current group of first-year players may make their real impact felt in 2012.